3 MORRIS BAY BEACH & WALLINGS NATURE RESERVE There’s no drive through Antigua’s interior that’s more scenic than the one along Fig Tree Road, which winds through the island’s most beautiful and lush stretch of rainforest on its way to the coast. Along the 13-mile-long route, pull off the road to stretch your legs with a morning hike from the reservoir at Wallings Nature Reserve. The Victorian- style industrial terraces built here by the British in 1890 are mostly dry now, but the surrounding rainforest beckons for a leisurely hike. The trail from the dam to the viewpoint atop Signal Hill (roughly 2.5 miles out and back) is shaded by a canopy of some 40 tree and plant species that include mahogany, wild passionfruit, hog plums and Dominican kidney mango. Once you emerge into the open expanses of a field of lemongrass blowing in the breeze at the top of the hill, enjoy spectacular views of the coastline shimmering far below. On a clear day, you can even see the neighboring islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe on the horizon. Before continuing south to the coast, hit nearby Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery to browse colorful paintings by British painter Sallie Harker and various Caribbean artists. From there, it’s just a ten-minute drive south along Fig Tree Drive to Morris Bay Beach, which is lined with a thick grove of coconut palms. Let the jewel-toned waters beckon you in for a refreshing dip after a morning of exploring. Freelance travel writer Terry Ward is based in Florida but is frequently on the road (or at sea!) to report stories. Her work has been published by such outlets as Travel Channel, the Washington Post, Travel+Leisure and Cruise Critic. Visit her website to learn more, www.terry-ward.com.
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